Older Americans and Adult Abuse Prevention Month 2026

May is Older Americans and Adult Abuse Prevention Month. It is a time to honor the many ways older adults contribute to our families and communities, to look at how our population is aging, and to renew our promise to support older adults.

This year’s theme is “Champion Your Health.” It focuses on staying healthy, preventing illness, and taking personal responsibility for your health. It encourages older adults to speak up for themselves, get regular checkups, and make choices that help them stay independent.

This month, both communities and individuals can take steps to support good health and healthy aging.

Here are some simple ways people of any age can take charge of their health:

• Keep up with regular checkups, vaccines, and health screenings.
• Stay connected with friends, family, and community to support your emotional well-being.
• Eat healthy foods that are fresh or only lightly processed.
• Be physically active on a regular basis to stay strong and move easily.
• Practice daily habits that support good mental health and help you cope with stress.

You can find information about and register for educational health and wellness workshops by visiting ElderLink.

Protecting older adults and incapacitated adults from abuse, neglect, or exploitation is a goal of Fairfax County’s Adult Protective Services (APS). This month we recognize Adult Abuse Prevention Month and encourage everyone to help protect and keep vulnerable adults safe. APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults. Reports can be filed for people who live alone, with relatives or who are residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, or group homes. To make a report, call 703-324-7450. 

Learn more about the life-changing work of APS by watching “Every Senior Deserves Safety and Dignity,” a video produced by the Department of Family Services Adult and Aging division.